Tamil Nadu

Liveblog: Vijay reacts after Karur stampede, no trace of accountability

At least 36 people, including six children, died in a stampede in Tamil Nadu’s Karur district at a Tamiliga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) rally led by TVK chief and actor turned politician Vijay.

TNM Staff

CM Stalin issues statement saying that he has instructed former Minister Senthil Balaji, Health Minister Ma Subramanian and District Collector to  provide immediate medical treatment to the public who have fainted due to the crowd congestion and are admitted to the hospital.

Further Minister Anbil Mahesh is directed to provide necessary assistance on a war footing, the CM said. “I have spoken to the ADGP as well to take swift measures to stabilize the situation there.

I request the public to cooperate with the doctors and the police department,” the statement said.


Expressing condolences, CPI (M) party issues a statement asking the Madras High Court to take suo motu cognizance and investigate the deaths that occurred at the meeting.

A deadly stampede broke out during actor-politician Vijay's campaign rally in Karur, resulting in at least 30 deaths. Several people have been injured. 

Reacting to the tragedy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote: "The unfortunate incident during a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, is deeply saddening. My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones. Wishing strength to them in this difficult time. Praying for a swift recovery to all those injured."

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also reacted to the tragedy. "Deeply anguished by the tragic accident at a rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu. The loss of innocent lives is truly heartbreaking. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Praying for the speedy recovery of those who are injured," he wrote.

Doctors from Salem and Namakkal have been directed to assist Karur Government Medical College Hospital, according to reports.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah wrote: "Deeply pained by the tragic loss of lives in a stampede in Karur, Tamil Nadu. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. I pray to the Almighty to give them the strength to bear this grief and for the speedy recovery of the injured."

Actor-politician Kamal Haasan expresses shock over the tragedy. In a statement, he urged CM Stalin to provide necessary medical help for the injured. 

Reacting to the stampede, actor Rajinikanth said: "The news of the loss of innocent lives in the incident that occurred in Karur shakes the heart and causes immense grief. My deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. Comfort to those who were injured."

The Tamil Nadu government has formed a Commission of Inquiry under Justice Aruna Jagadeesan to probe the stampede in Vijay’s Karur rally.

In Vijay's first reaction after the stampede that killed at least 36 people in Karur, he has expressed condolences and sympathies to the families of the deceased and the injured. However, he has not taken accountability for the tragedy.

"My heart is shattered; I am writhing in unbearable, indescribable pain and sorrow that words cannot express. I extend my deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of my dear brothers and sisters who lost their lives in Karur. I pray for the swift recovery of those receiving treatment in the hospital," he said.